What is Insomnia?

It is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.  It can occur at any age, but it is most likely to occur as we age.  Insomnia can be classified as primary or secondary insomnia.

Insomnia may include difficulty falling asleep, daytime sleepiness, frequent awakenings during the night, difficulty falling back to sleep, early morning awakenings, feeling tired upon waking, irritability, fatigue, depression, anxiety, difficulty with concentration and memory and  persistent worrying about sleep.

Symptoms..

DepressionAnxietyPanic disorderChronic stressBipolar disorderPost-traumatic stress disorder. 

Psychological conditions..

• Depression• Anxiety• Panic disorder• Chronic stress• Bipolar disorder• Post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Medications that can cause insomnia..

• Antidepressants• Cold and  flu medications that contain

alcohol• Pain relievers that contain caffeine

(Midol, Excedrin)• Diuretics• Corticosteroids • Thyroid hormone & high blood pressure 

Medications that can cause insomnia..

• Primary• Secondary 

Types of Insomnia

Primary insomnia occurs when it is not directly associated with any other health conditions or disorders. 

Primary Insomnia

Secondary insomnia occurs when sleep problems are associated with health conditions like depression, anxiety, pain, and chronic or acute diseases like asthma, cancer and arthritis. It can also be associated with medications or drugs like alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

Secondary Insomnia

Chronic insomnia occurs at least three nights a week for a month or longer. The two most common causes of chronic insomnia are depression and anxiety. Other causes of chronic insomnia may include stress, chronic medical conditions and sleep disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. 

Chronic Insomnia (long-term)

Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. The causes of insomnia may include acute stressors or illnesses, medications, and abrupt lifestyle, work or environmental changes. 

Acute Insomnia (long-term)

If you think you have insomnia, seek help from a licensed health care provider. An evaluation may include a medical history, a sleep history and diary, a sleep study, brain EEG and other specialized testing to identify causes of secondary insomnia. 

Diagnosing Insomnia..

Elevated bedtime hormone levels of the hormone cortisol are a common cause of insomnia. It is important to identify the underlying cause of your insomnia. Treating the symptoms of insomnia with prescriptions and over the counter medications will often loss their effectiveness and may cause dependency.

Diagnosing Insomnia..

1. Go to bed at the same time each night.2. Avoid daytime naps.3. Limit or avoid caffeine, nicotine and

alcohol late in the night.4. Regular exercise during the day.5. Increase light exposure during the day.

Tips for combating insomnia include:

6. Avoid late night heavy meals.7. Eat a small bedtime snack.8. Use black out curtains or sleep mask to

avoid awakening due to sunlight.9. Use earplugs or white noise machines to

drown out disturbing sounds.

Tips for combating insomnia include:

10. Limit artificial light by avoiding electronics like iPads, cell phones and televisions at bedtime, which might over stimulate you.

11. Make your bed comfortable with a good mattress and pillow. 

12. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath before bedtime to relax before you sleep.

Tips for combating insomnia include:

13. Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep or sex. 14. If you can't sleep, get up and read, listen to soft music or do something that is not overly stimulating. 15. To avoid worrying at night by making a to-do list before you got to bed.

Tips for combating insomnia include:

Relief Supplement..

Relief Supplement..

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